"I've always admired Ryan Zinke's loyalty and service to our country," Gianforte said, following Zinke's confirmation vote. "The leadership Ryan has shown, both in the military and as an elected official prove that he doesn't view things through a political lens, but by what's right for Montana, and America, and this is exactly the kind of leadership our country needs right now. Montana should be grateful for having an Interior Secretary who understands our way of life, and will always fight to protect our public lands and responsibly develop our natural resources."

Even before Zinke's confirmation vote, Gianforte had begun his campaign to become the Republican nominee to replace Zinke in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The direction of our country is going to be decided in the coming months," Gianforte began. "There's too much at stake to sit on the sidelines. I'm running for Congress because I believe you deserve to have your voice heard, and a champion who will always be on Montana's side."

Sounding a great deal like Donald Trump, Gianforte said he wants to help make America great.

"Washington may not like this, but it's time for America and Montana to come first," he said. "My number one priority will be to ensure that Montana's voice is heard in Washington. Montanans deserve a champion who will be strong for our values and our Montana way of life."

State Republican leaders will be choosing their candidate in the next few days, and Gianforte is hoping is name recognition from the recent election to still be at the top of party leaders' minds.